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Mulvey seeks grand final guidance

Laine Clark

He's the coach of the year but Mike Mulvey admits he must seek guidance from his experienced players on how to get ready for Sunday's A-League grand final.

Mulvey was one of the big winners as Brisbane cleaned up at Monday night's A-League awards after they finished 10 points clear atop the ladder before booking their third grand final appearance in four seasons.

On the verge of steering Brisbane to championship glory, A-League grand final rookie Mulvey is ready to share the reins with seasoned campaigners like Thomas Broich who have been there and won it before ahead of the big game against Western Sydney Wanderers.

"My job will be to make sure we arrive at the grand final with tons of energy ready to play the game of our lives," said Mulvey, in his first full season at the helm of two-time champions the Roar.

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"I am fortunate to have a dressing room full of players who have experienced it before.

"I would be foolish not to tap into their knowledge.

"It (grand final experience) is important because what can happen is ...that you can get lost in the occasion. You can use all your adrenalin up at the beginning of the week."

That did not appear to be a potential problem judging by the cool, calm Broich who returned to Brisbane on Tuesday with Mulvey as part of the Roar's triumphant A-League awards night contingent.

The A-League's first two-time Johnny Warren Medal winner, German playmaker Broich will be the key if Brisbane achieve more history on Sunday by becoming the competition's first three-time champions.

"What has been congregating in the last couple of years here is a great culture and environment that enables success," said Mulvey.

"We feed off each other.

"One way Thomas will help is speaking to the younger guys.

"Guys like Luke Brattan and Dimitri Petratos haven't started a grand final.